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Teachers lack confidence in tackling violence, a ATL survey suggests
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The government said new teachers were supported in tackling poor behaviour.. Guidance issued by the Department for Children, Schools and Families see http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/_doc/12187/ACFD89B.pdf
lists the types of force teachers can use on children. In more extreme circumstances, "appropriate restrictive holds, which may require specific expertise or training", may be used, it says.
ATL says the problem with the official guidance is that teachers are not clear on how to interpret it. The union's Sharon Liburd said: "These violent confrontations can erupt very very quickly, they [teachers] need to be clear about what sort of steps they can take to try to stop the situation from escalating, if they have to physically intervene and how in fact they do that."
But National Association of Head Teachers general secretary Mick Brookes said there was no need for compulsory training in schools because many never saw a violent incident.
A DCSF spokesman said newly qualified teachers were given support in their new roles to ensure they had the skills they needed. They also had to meet professional standards in how to deal with difficult behaviour.
"Good behaviour and an atmosphere of respect should be the norm in all schools," the spokesman said.
"In his recent review, Sir Alan Steer said that behaviour standards have improved and are good in the majority of schools. "We are determined to tackle poor behaviour and raise overall behaviour standards - that is why we have given schools clearer and stronger powers than ever before to ensure good school discipline."
For a more indepth discussion of this issue view the teachers tv programme “Train to Restrain” see http://www.teachers.tv/video/2672
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06 Feb 2010 by George Matthews
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